Hello Homestead! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Citizenship ceremony, Coke Florida FIFA caravan, and fun with LEGO® + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Chamber events on tap: ChamberSOUTH will host a July 7 small-business workshop in South Miami, then a complimentary July 15 networking breakfast with Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia, expected to draw strong interest -- get the full details.
A civic milestone unfolds: On June 26, a naturalization ceremony at Miami’s historic Freedom Tower will welcome 66 new citizens from 29 countries, presided over by U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom -- see the citizenship ceremony.
Recycling basics clarified: Frank Calderon and Miami-Dade County Recycling Manager Jeanmarie Massa discussed recycling do’s and don’ts with visuals, clearing up curbside confusion for Homestead households, from common mistakes to what gets accepted -- see the recycling tips.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Backyard jungle upgrade: Whether you want a statement palm, a screen of native trees, or a fruiting beauty that actually earns its keep, Botanics Wholesale has the tropical selection and know-how to make Homestead yards thrive. Chat with their plant pros, get real guidance, and leave plotting your next shade-and-privacy upgrade.
This week, go local: Whether you want an IMAX fix, a few frames of bowling, or to nerd out at the Cybrarium’s techy stacks, Homestead Station keeps it all right in Downtown Homestead... zero Turnpike required and ideal for weeknights that somehow turn into weekends.
A quick green escape: Whether you need a shady bench break between errands or a spot to catch occasional outdoor performances, Losner Park is the easy-choice hangout in Homestead’s historic district. Pack a cafecito, let the kids burn off steam, and soak up that small-town Homestead vibe.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
📚 ENRICH Storytime - Health Topics @ Naranja Branch | Wednesday (6/24) at 11:30 AM – A kid-friendly storytime that covers health through stories, sing-alongs, and hands-on fun. Interactive, lively, and sneakily educational, the kind that might finally get the kids, or the grandkids, to wash their hands without a negotiation, or a sticker chart.
🎲 Board Game Club @ Naranja Branch Library | Thursday (6/25) at 2:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for dice rolls in the sweet, sweet library A/C. Summer board game club dusts off the classics, throws in some new obsessions, ages 4 and up, so bring the kids, grandkids, and that neighbor who still insists Monopoly is an investment strategy.
👶 Talking is Teaching - Talk, Read, Sing for Toddlers @ Naranja Branch Library | Friday (6/26) at 11:30 AM – Bring your tiny negotiator to the library for talk, stories, songs, and hands-on fun, then call it socializing. It is a chill spot for toddlers 18 months to 3 years, and for caregivers who know snack time is a lifestyle, not a schedule.
⚽ Coke Florida FIFA Caravan @ Walmart Supercenter (Florida City) | Friday (6/26) at 12:00 PM – Skip the shin guards and catch the Coke Florida FIFA Caravan rolling into Homestead, turning a regular parking lot into a mini World Cup. Expect soccer-themed games, swag, cold sips, and big smiles, no penalty kicks required, just neighborhood bragging rights.
🧱 Fun with LEGO® @ Naranja Branch Library | Saturday (6/27) at 11:00 AM – Bring the crew to the library for a laid-back LEGO free-build, all ages welcome. Let the kids engineer skyscrapers while you supervise like a seasoned city planner, and enjoy air-conditioning, zero vacuuming, and the rare chance to step on exactly zero bricks.
🎀 Model Grand Opening @ Coral Landings | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Whether you're house hunting or just nosy about floor plans, Coral Landings in South Dade is unveiling five new models, like Vanguard and Starlight. Sip coffee or lemonade, graze on finger foods, enjoy a live DJ, and call it family time while you measure closets.
⚽ It's World Cup Time: Trade Your Stickers! @ Naranja Branch Library | Tuesday (6/30) at 1:00 PM – Bring your album and that stack of doubles for a proper PANINI swap. If you are still hunting Ronaldo, Haaland, Mbappé, or Messi, expect friendly haggling, international banter, and that playground thrill we still brag about, only with better coffee.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Homestead report Weather forecastToday — High: 93°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 40% A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 101. Southeast wind 0 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 22% A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southeast wind 0 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 79. Southeast wind 2 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis spacious Homestead home pairs bright living areas with generously sized bedrooms and a functional kitchen made for easy everyday routines and casual entertaining. A large backyard adds room for gatherings, play, or future projects, while the quiet residential setting brings a welcoming feel. Schools, shopping, restaurants, and major highways are all close by.
Take a peek inside → | | |